page_title: Foreign relations of Taiwan
section_title: Arab world
hierarchical_section_title: Foreign relations of Taiwan / Bilateral relations / Arab world
caption_attribution_description: English: Republic of China Chinese muslim General Ma Bufang with his family in w:Egypt 1954.
context_page_description: The Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan, has formal diplomatic relations with 14 out of 193 United Nations member states, as well as the Holy See. Historically, the ROC has required its diplomatic allies to recognise it as the sole legitimate government of China, but since the 1990s, its policy has changed into actively seeking dual recognition with the PRC. In addition to these relations, the ROC maintains unofficial relations with 57 UN member states via its representative offices and consulates.
context_section_description: Egypt maintained relations until 1956, when Gamal Abdel Nasser cut off relations and recognised the PRC. Ma Bufang, who was then living in Egypt, was ordered to move to Saudi Arabia, and became the ROC ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia ended its diplomatic relations with the ROC in 1990. Ambassador Wang Shi-ming was a Chinese Muslim, and the ROC ambassador to Kuwait. The ROC also maintained relations with Libya and Saudi Arabia.
caption: Ma Bufang and family in Egypt in 1954.
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